UK and France authorize Scalp missile technology transfer to Ukraine

The United Kingdom and France have authorized the transfer of technology to allow for the assembly of Scalp (Storm Shadow) missiles within Ukraine. This decision follows recent diplomatic visits and aims to provide medium-term support to Kyiv in its conflict with Russia.

Matthew Savill, Director of Military Sciences at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), noted that building new facilities for such advanced weaponry from scratch will not be a rapid process. He estimates that operational missile production at these new sites likely will not be ready until at least 2028.

While the move is viewed as a vote of confidence in Ukraine, Savill cautioned that these new manufacturing sites would become primary targets for Russia. He emphasized that the true value of the agreement lies in the transfer of technical expertise, which will help Ukraine refine its national missile programs and improve precision.